Matthew Micallef St John and Emma De Gabriela are Malta’s first ever United Nations Youth Delegates, following a public call and a competitive selection process.

Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Evarist Bartolo officially appointed Mr Micallef St John and Ms De Gabriele during a ceremony at the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs, while presenting them with their certificate of appointment.

The Minister reflected on the value in entrusting youth to contribute towards enhancing dialogue and cooperation at an international level and extended his best wishes to Mr Micallef St John and Ms De Gabriele.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Evarist Bartolo and Matthew Micallef St John

He stated that the Ministry is fully committed to empower youths also within the realm of international relations by providing them with opportunities to contribute towards peace and security at an international level.

Permanent Secretary Christopher Cutajar stated that through this appointment the Ministry is committed to invest in youth to help them reach their potential.

He also emphasised the need to cultivate the potential and qualities of youth by offering them such opportunities.

As UN Youth Delegates, Mr Micallef St John and Ms De Gabriele will be in a position to engage with young people in Malta and with their counterparts at the United Nations in New York as well as other international fora, particularly on issues related to achieving Sustainable Development Goals and the United Nations’ global mission and objectives.

Their participation in such events will continue to raise the profile and awareness of the opinions of the Maltese youth regarding global issues and provide an opportunity to reflect their concerns in global discussions.

The United Nations Youth Delegates will be expected to represent a wide spectrum of youth interests in cooperation with the different Malta-based youth agencies and organisations.

Representatives of Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, MALTMUN and Kunsill Nazzjonali Żgħażagħ attended the ceremony.